The Advancement of Weaponry Weaponry progressed significantly throughout the Middle Ages from unsophisticated means such as axes, swords, lances and crossbows too much more advanced and complex weapons such as guns, cannons and missiles. In the beginning of the 7th century armies in Western Europe were little more than armed mobs. The development of weapons and other materials of war became more and more evident beginning in the 8th century and continued to advance dramatically through the mid 15th century when they reached their pinnacle of efficiency. The Middle Ages have long been labeled as a period of little or no technological advances, but with regards to weaponry